Interrupters

The MERLIN Interrupter is designed for precise solid state interruption of CP rectifiers or solar stations connected to a buried pipeline. Used in conjunction with specific MERLIN and MERLIN XT Transformer Rectifier Monitors, it enables interruption (switching of the current output) at a rectifier or solar station to be controlled remotely.

The Interrupter fails safe and switches the rectifier output loads encountered under the temperature, environmental and electrical conditions experienced in a rectifier cabinet. The solid state circuitry overcomes the limitations of electromechanical relays.

Compatible with industry standard interruption patterns, the MERLIN Interrupter may be switched on and off, or the cycle changed, from Abriox’s CPSM or iCPSM software. Interruption and cycle time management can also be controlled from a cell/mobile phone when in the field.

A relay is required for a rectifier monitor where any of the following apply:

An instant OFF potential reading at the drain point is required

To turn off the output of the rectifier temporarily – for example, for local maintenance work

Remote synchronised interruption is being implemented

Any suitably rated 12V relay may be used for the first two applications. For synchronised interruption electromechanical relays should not be used because outputting interrupter patterns is likely to exceed the relay contact life after only a few weeks of continuous use.

Maximum Turn-on/Turn-off Time

Fail Safe

Control Voltages

Output Protection

Note: Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

Download the datasheets for the MERLIN Interrupter and our other products from our support section

Used for CIPS, DCVG and Safety Interruption

Rectifier interruption is used to carry out Close Interval and DCVG (Direct Current Voltage Gradient) surveys, major ON/OFF surveys at CP test posts and pipeline maintenance work.

Abriox’s MERLIN Interrupter is designed specifically for precise solid state interruption of rectifiers connected to a buried pipeline. It fails safe and switches the rectifier output loads encountered under the temperature, environmental and electrical conditions experienced in a rectifier cabinet. All MERLIN units automatically maintain synchronization with each other.

The patterns that are supported cater for both CIPS and DCVG surveys. CIPS surveys usually require the majority of the pattern to be ON to maintain the CP protection of the pipeline. DCVG surveys are the reverse and usually have a longer OFF than ON so that a short “blip” of ON can be seen by the survey tool.

Pipeline Locate

MERLIN is primarily designed to provide remote monitoring of cathodic protection. However, because it controls an Interrupter, it can switch or modulate the rectifier’s output current to generate an electromagnetic “pipeline locate” signal that can be traced and pin-pointed using a pipe/cable locator.

This unique feature is particularly useful for gas and petrochemical companies who have a lot of CP installations. The “pipeline locate” signal can be activated from the system software in the office – or from a mobile phone in the field using text messaging. It completely eliminates the laborious set-up time associated with traditional pipeline location equipment – and ensures the locate signal is applied to the correct pipeline!”

The feature is patented and is available with GSM and satellite communication MERLIN EXCEL transformer rectifier monitors.

Software Interface

Compatible with industry standard interruption patterns, the MERLIN Interrupter may be switched on and off, or the cycle changed, in the field via a cell/mobile phone or from Abriox’s CPSM or iCPSM software.

The software also has the ability to schedule interruption across an entire pipeline.